Airtel Africa has entered a strategic partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology across its 14 African markets, extending mobile connectivity to areas beyond the reach of traditional networks.
The initiative, planned to begin rollout in 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will allow customers with compatible smartphones to access mobile services in locations without terrestrial coverage.
Initial offerings will focus on text messaging and limited data services, with broader capabilities expected as next-generation satellites come online.
The Direct-to-Cell system will be supported by a constellation of roughly 650 satellites and is designed to deliver substantially higher performance than earlier satellite-to-phone solutions.
Airtel Africa says the technology will complement its existing infrastructure by filling coverage gaps in remote and hard-to-serve regions.
With this agreement, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile operator on the continent to adopt Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service, positioning satellite-enabled connectivity as a core part of its expansion strategy.
Both companies say the collaboration is aimed at narrowing Africa’s digital divide and improving access to essential digital services.
The partnership underscores a growing role for satellite technology in Africa’s telecom landscape, as operators seek cost-effective ways to expand coverage and support long-term digital transformation across the continent.
